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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Matthew Southcombe

Wales issue injury update as key figures return ahead of England match but Lions star not in full training

Wales boast an almost entirely clean bill of health, with just one player expected to be unavailable for England's Six Nations visit to Cardiff this weekend.

In stark contrast to the mini injury crisis head coach Wayne Pivac faced ahead of the trip to Murrayfield over a week ago, Wales now have relatively healthy ranks, with a host of players returning to training.

Vastly-experienced centre Jonathan Davies is available to make his first appearance of the campaign this Saturday, having recovered from an ankle injury that kept him out of the first two rounds of the championship.

Meanwhile, George North (foot), Josh Navidi (neck), Johnny Williams and Hallam Amos (both concussions) have recovered from injuries suffered either in, or shortly after, the win over Ireland on the opening weekend.

"Everybody has reported back and we [almost] have a full bill of health," said Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys.

"We've [almost] got a full squad to choose from, which brings a headache but is also really positive.

"Right now there is a lot of competition for places."

Navidi was sidelined after just his second game back following a long lay-off with concussion earlier in the championship.

With his injury record in mind, Humphreys admitted that coaches would have to carefully consider his well-being when deciding on the team to play this weekend.

"Player welfare is huge for us. If Josh is available to play and he's given the all clear, then he's a massive player for us," he said.

"You talk about collisions in a game, he's huge for us in terms of winning collisions.

"There is a lot of competition in the back - Aaron Wainwright and James Botham both played really well last week - and we have to take everything into account.

"If Josh is fit and clear to play, then he becomes a big figure for us."

When asked directly if Navidi was available for this weekend, Humphreys said: "As things stand, yes."

One player yet to return to full training is full-back Leigh Halfpenny, he failed a head injury assessment at Murrayfield following a collision with Darcy Graham.

Halfpenny is still going through the return to play protocols but the Wales management are preparing for him to be available for selection.

"He's still going through those protocols but we expect him to come through," insisted Humphreys.

The only player not available for selection this weekend is scrum-half Tomos Williams, who suffered a hamstring injury near the end of the first half against Ireland.

Lloyd Williams was called up to the squad to cover his absence, although Wales are still hopeful that Tomos Williams will play some further part in the championship and has been retained in the squad.

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